Homeowner associations (HOAs) are organizations formed by members living within a particular residential area to govern and regulate community affairs. Usually, the community members are entitled to certain benefits from HOAs, but is HOA responsible for security in the community?
This is one question to consider since security is vital in ensuring peace and safety in an environment. No one wants to stay where their lives and properties are constantly in danger. People love to carry out their daily activities freely and without fear. So how can homeowner associations help in ensuring the security of their members?
Provision of Security Infrastructure
Homeowner associations ensure that security gadgets are made available in the community. Security includes the installation of lights, cameras, and alarm systems. Dark surroundings are usually potential places to perpetrate evil, especially at night and in secluded areas, but an effective public lighting system helps to discourage that.
Security cameras help monitor movements and suspicious activities around the community and can help wade off evil perpetrators. If there is an emergency, members can use alarm systems for sensitization and invite necessary intervention. Other security facilities, such as gates and fences, are also essential.
Employing Security Agents
Aside from security infrastructure, security agents can also be employed by the HOAs as deemed necessary. These personnel will carry out patrols from time to time and attend to security needs as they arise.
They are to always be on the lookout and respond to complaints and reports made by community members as deemed necessary. The security personnel should not be a source of threat to the community members but should help assure their safety.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies
As much as the homeowner associations can provide security gadgets and employ guards, they are to still work with law enforcement agencies in their locality.
Such collaboration will foster the relationship between the community and local security agents and ensure that everyone is law-abiding, duly informed, and security conscious.
Create Security Education and Awareness Programs
Homeowner associations can work with security agents to enlighten members on security habits and tips. Tips may include things to do in cases of danger, self-defense, home security, personal safety, and security roles as a citizen.
Such awareness programs will help to build an informed community and make security an all-inclusive responsibility for effectiveness.
Maintain Order Among Community Members
The HOAs are also responsible for maintaining order among its members by having rules and regulations that ensure safety.
There should be standards that guide individuals in their contribution to community safety, such as installing lights in their homes asides public spaces, cutting down bushes, and other measures that make them security responsible individuals.
Provision of Timely and Useful Information
Homeowner associations must also have working systems for sharing information or security updates. When this happens, it will aid the promptness and circulation of information as and when due.
Security updates may include the latest developments in the community, help lines to dial, places to avoid, people to avoid, and criminal activities and emergencies.
Respond to Emergencies
HOAs are to have plans to manage threats and emergencies. They should equip members with adequate knowledge of what to do in case of an emergency, help lines to dial, and who to make reports to.
HOAs should also have protection plans in case of emergencies. They must ensure the protection of lives and properties as necessary.
Making Plans and Deliberations
Another crucial role of HOA boards is their administrative duty. They are to regularly conduct meetings, devise workable plans, execute them, follow up, weigh out options, and arrive at the best solutions to different challenges at different times.
They have to be proactive and able to spot problems on time without being caught off-guard. If the team is more effective, they can better protect the lives and properties of their members.
Accountability
Accountability is essential to ensure that community members’ interests are well protected. HOA board members need to ensure that their actions and decisions promote security while being transparent and accountable to the members.
Fairness, equity, unity, integrity, and justice among board members, community members, and security personnel are necessary to achieve security goals. Members can also seek legal action against HOAs in cases of injustice.
Finally, it is important to note, however, that community members are financially responsible to the association. Members pay dues and other expenses to ensure the smooth running of things in the community. Also, community members elect board members who will represent their interests adequately while meeting community needs.
